Sam Swaine, whose family have farmed fields on both sides of the existing A14 at Conington for seven decades, says he has been warned by transport chiefs he will have to sell them 17 acres – so the new six-lane highway can plough across country from Swavesey to Brampton, near Huntingdon.

Mr Swaine, 53, told the News: “I knew that they might compulsorily purchase some of my land, but it is a shock to see how much, and the money I’m apparently going to be offered is below the value I think it’s worth.

Sam Swaine and a pond area where turtle doves come to nest

“They want to take 12 acres of my land on one side of the A14 as it is now, which includes my garden, a pond and some dovecotes I have put up for turtle doves, and five acres on the other side.

“They will come more than 120 metres into my property, even though the six lanes are only 24 metres wide.

“I have been told they want to start work soon, and fence it off, then flatten it.”

A14 traffic

Mr Swaine said his family had run the arable farm for 70 years, and he would be sorry to give up the land.

He said he was contesting an initial valuation of £9,500 an acre. He said: “I think it’s worth £11,500 an acre, because of improvements I’ve made to it over the years.”

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Highways England has revealed the first stage of work on building the new road, which is forecast to cost up to £1.8 billion, is scheduled to start this month. Preparatory work has already started, including archaeological work and strengthening crossing points for construction vehicles.

The giant scheme involves widening the existing A14 to three lanes in both directions between Swavesey and Bar Hill, and to four lanes between Bar Hill and Girton. A new three-lane dual carriageway will then head off from Swavesey to Brampton, part of it across Mr Swaine’s land.

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A Highways England spokesman said: “The upgraded A14 will be 21 miles long, and includes a brand new bypass for Huntingdon. We’ve been clear about the land that we think we will need for the scheme throughout the project’s development, and are actively looking to keep it to a minimum.

A14 route map

“We are committed to dealing with landowners fairly, and purchase prices are agreed independently by the district valuer. Some of the land will only be needed temporarily and will be offered back to the original owners when the A14 improvements are complete.

“We are always happy for landowners to contact us if they are worried about the impact of the scheme on their land or home.”